Tucker Carlson Questions Mike Pence at the Turning Point USA Student Action Summit

Pence: “All I know for sure, having lived through it at the Capitol, is that it was a tragic day. I’ve never used the word insurrection, Tucker, over the last two years, but it was a riot that took place at the Capitol that day. I saw firsthand where they evacuated us down to the loading dock. Below the Senate chamber police officers that as the day wore on, were streaming through, 150 law enforcement officers that were assaulted, obviously, the tragic loss of life ransacking the Capitol that occurred. But I really do believe that a day of tragedy became a triumph for freedom. And I’ll always believe that by God’s grace, I did my duty that day under the Constitution of the United States of America and our institutions held.” (Applause)
Carlson: “When — when — when you say the tragic loss of life, who are you referring to?”
Pence: “Well, obviously, Ashli Babbitt would come to mind immediately. And when I think of the —“
Carlson: “What do you think of the fact that she was shot?”
Pence: “Well, I — I just think it was a tragic moment, without question. But I would — I have to tell you that seeing people assaulting law enforcement officers, smashing windows, breaking into the Capitol Building, it infuriated me. And it’s very likely that the restraint that was shown by law enforcement officers saved lives that day.”

Carlson: “I believe you have a good faith position on this, and we have disagreements on it, but I want to just — I can’t let you allied over the question of the treatment of Christians and I heard you —”
Pence: “I know. I heard that. Again, Tucker —““
Carlson: “— and would you be — no, but hold on, would you be — would you be willing — [crosstalk]”
Pence: “— I’m telling you — you promised you don’t accept my answer? I just told you that I asked the religious leader in Kiyv if it was happening. You asked me if I raised the issue, and I did.”
Carlson: “And I’m saying you’re factually incorrect.”
Pence: “I also raised it with the Ukrainians. And I was told that there are — there are religious leaders who have been working with the Russian military that is murdering people by the thousands.”
Carlson: “OK.”
Pence: “I mean, Tucker, look —”
Carlson: “Wait, but hold on, don’t you think —”
Pence: “Let me explain to you what I think our national interest is there.”
Carlson: “I would think you would have greater concern for religious liberty in Ukraine. And I’m surprised by your answer.” [crosstalk]
Pence: “I — I told you I raised the issue of religious liberty.”
Carlson: “No, you spoke to one person who’s clearly on the one side of it.”
Pence: “I didn’t say I spoke to one person.”
Carlson: “And there are many, many news reports that are not disputed by anybody that many clergy have been arrested in Ukraine. And I’m merely saying, I may not agree with their views, I’m not Russian Orthodox, but you can’t arrest clergy for having different views, period. Because if you do you violate the basic tenant of religious liberty.”
Pence: “Look, I won’t — look I want to be clear with you. I won’t stand by it. I won’t stand for it. If people are being persecuted for their religious beliefs, I won’t stand for it.

Pence: “...we'll let’s somebody transfer some jets.”
Carlson: “I’m sorry, Mr. Vice President, have you — I know you’re running for president, you are distressed —”
Pence: “Thank you. Thank you for noticing.”
Carlson: “— you are distressed that the Ukrainians don’t have enough American tanks. Every city in the United States has become much worse over the past three years.”
Pence: “Yeah.”
Carlson: “Drive around. (Applause) There’s not one city that’s gotten better in the United States.”
Pence: “Right.”
Carlson: “And it’s visible. Our economy has degraded, the suicide rate has jumped, public filth and disorder and crime have exponentially increased.”
Pence: “Right.”
Carlson: “And yet, your concern is that the Ukrainians, a country most people can’t find on a map, who’ve received tens of billions of U.S. tax dollars don’t have enough tanks.”
Pence: “Right.”
Carlson: “I think it’s a fair question to ask like, where’s the concern for the United States in that? “
Pence: “Well, that’s not my concern. Tucker, I’ve heard that routine from you before, but that’s not my concern. I’m running for president in the United States because I think this country is in a lot of trouble. I think Joe Biden has weakened America at home and abroad.”